Government support for the #140m Tees Valley Metro project is being sought. If it is given the Metro could be operating within 10 years. Here Tees Valley Regeneration, which is leading the Metro bid, answers questions about the ambitious project.

Q:> Why do we need a Metro system in the Tees Valley?

A:> Plans to boost the economy of the Tees Valley will bring big changes in the way we need to move around the region. More of us will need to travel between the main centres to work, and particularly along the A66 and the Darlington to Saltburn rail route.

This means more journeys and more congestion on the roads, unless we make long-term plans to cope with this. We cannot have a situation where an inadequate transport system hinders economic development. The Metro is a fundamental part of our plans to improve public transport.

Q:> There is very little road congestion here. Can't things be left as they are?

A:> Congestion is getting worse and plans to regenerate the region will mean more journeys to work. Unless we provide viable and attractive alternatives to using cars, congestion will increase, and this could threaten long-term recovery plans.

Q:> Can't we just have new trains running more often, and a better bus service?

A:> The railway junctions at Darlington South, Bowesfield and Eaglescliffe are now operating at or near maximum capacity. Signalling systems need replacing in the South Tees area. No more trains can be run unless a significant amount of money is spent on improvements. We aim to make more efficient use of money set aside for maintaining the present rail network and introduce the Metro.

Q:> Isn't the answer a comprehensive park-and-ride network?

A:> This would not be the complete solution because fast, frequent and high quality services are required to make any park-and-ride network viable. Final proposals for the Metro will include plans for park and ride.

Q:> How much will the Metro speed up journeys.

A:> A typical Metro journey between Darlington and Saltburn will take 45 minutes, including five new stops along the way. At the moment it takes up to 56 minutes by train. The same journey by bus is likely to be one hour 20 minutes, even if buses are given priority on the roads.

Q:> Will the cost of public transport have to go up to pay for the new system?

A:> Not necessarily. The work done so far is based on fares going up by the same rate as inflation.

Q:> How can this bid succeed when previous proposals have come to nothing?

A:> This bid uses existing facilities in a more creative and innovative way, so saving significant costs.

Q:> Will the system prevent Teesport expansion plans?

A:> Not at all. In fact, the extra capacity freed up on the railway network is actually needed to support plans for the expansion of Teesport.

Q:> Will the Metro replace the existing train services and how will longer distance journeys be affected?

A:> The plans will double the number of trains on the Darlington to Saltburn route. The Trans-Pennine Express and services to Bishop Auckland and Whitby will be unchanged. It will allow more longer distance trains to reach the Tees Valley.

Q:> Would the existing rail service suffer while the Metro service is built?

A:> Much of the construction will take place alongside existing rail lines, so there will be minimal disruption. There will, however, need to be short-term closures so new structures and stations can be built but these will be planned at off-peak times, and a replacement service will be provided.

Q:> Where is the funding coming from?

A:> The aim is to use funding planned for improving and repairing the existing railways in the area and use it more efficiently to make the changes required for the Metro and to improve rail freight capacity. It will mean significantly less subsidy long term, and allow capital to be raised to fund the improvements.

Q:> What about environmental issues?

A:> The Metro will have lower emissions and will be quieter than the existing trains. It will provide environmental benefits across the area by attracting people away from cars.